waste time

USAGE SUMMARY

'waste time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that someone has been spending time doing something that is unproductive or fruitless. For example: "I don't want to waste time on projects with no tangible results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I didn't waste time.

The New York Times

He didn't waste time.

The New York Times

"Let's not waste time.

The New Yorker

But why waste time?

The New York Times

Companies routinely waste time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why waste time?

The New Yorker

Why waste time on lies?

The New York Times - Books

He does not waste time.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't waste time in mourning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She doesn't waste time.

The New York Times

But don't waste time.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising against unproductive activities, use "waste time" to clearly convey the importance of efficient time management.

Common error

Avoid using "waste time" when you actually mean to convey that someone is investing time in a valuable activity, even if the immediate benefits are not apparent. For example, practicing a musical instrument is an investment, not a "waste of time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waste time" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the act of using time in an unproductive or inefficient manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waste time" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the unproductive use of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable and understood. It's frequently used in news, media, and general writing, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC showcasing its versatility. Related phrases include "squander time" and "fritter away time", offering nuanced ways to express the same concept. Understanding the appropriate contexts and avoiding common errors, such as confusing it with investing time, can greatly enhance clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

squander time

Emphasizes spending time carelessly or extravagantly, suggesting a lack of value placed on time.

kill time

Focuses on occupying oneself during a period of waiting, often with trivial activities.

fritter away time

Highlights the gradual and wasteful dissipation of time on unimportant things.

idle away time

Suggests spending time in a lazy or inactive manner, avoiding productive activities.

dilly-dally

Implies delaying or procrastinating, leading to an inefficient use of time.

dawdle

Suggests moving or acting slowly and without purpose, causing a delay.

procrastinate

Focuses on postponing tasks or decisions, leading to lost time and potential stress.

lose track of time

Implies becoming unaware of the passage of time, often while engaged in enjoyable but unproductive activities.

burn daylight

An idiom that means to waste time, especially when one should be working.

let time slip away

Highlights the passive loss of time due to inaction or lack of focus.

FAQs

How can I use "waste time" in a sentence?

You can use "waste time" to describe unproductive activities. For instance, "Don't "waste time" on social media when you have important tasks to complete."

What's a more formal way to say "waste time"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "squander time" or "fritter away time". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but with a more refined tone.

Is it correct to say "wasting of time"?

While grammatically understandable, "wasting of time" is less common and less direct than simply using the verb phrase ""waste time"". It's often better to rephrase the sentence for clarity.

What's the difference between "kill time" and ""waste time""?

"Kill time" implies occupying oneself during a period of waiting, while ""waste time"" suggests using time unproductively or carelessly, regardless of whether one is waiting.